Help Kloof Conservancy locate poisonous plant
There is nothing sweet about this lollipop climber as its fruit is poisonous and allergic skin reactions to the seeds and fleshy interior have been reported.
THE Kloof Conservancy has urged upper Highway residents to be on the lookout for the Lollipop Climber, a category 1A alien plant that requires compulsory control.
Paolo Candotti, chairman of the Kloof Conservancy said, “The Biological Invasions Directorate in SANBI, in collaboration with various stakeholders, is assessing this species and would appreciate sighting reports to inform management.”
It has been sighted in Pinetown, Westville, Kloof and Pietermaritzburg.
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The Lollipop Climber can be identified by its leaves that are palmate with deep lobes.
he upper leaf surface is dark green and often scattered with fine hairs, while its under surface is smooth and pale in comparison.
Its flowers are pale yellow/cream in colour and delicate in nature.
Its fruit is round and striped, green and white when immature that becomes red and white when mature.
“The plant is toxic and even though the fruit resembles a tiny watermelon, it is poisonous and not edible. Allergic skin reactions to the seeds and the fleshy interior of the fruit have been reported in KZN, please be careful,” said Candotti.
To report its location, email invasivespecies@sanbi.org.za or R.Lalla@sanbi.org.za.
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